🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

CLS-Class

Model Variant:

CLS500, CLS55 AMG

Year:

2006

Chassis Code:

C219

Cls500 Engine Code:

M273 (V8)

Cls55 Amg Engine Code:

113 ML (Supercharged V8)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan / Grand Tourer (GT)

Positioning Statement:

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C219) represented a groundbreaking entry into the 'four-door coupe' segment, blending the dramatic styling of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan. It targeted affluent buyers seeking distinct design, powerful performance, and the renowned luxury and engineering of Mercedes-Benz.

Key Competitors:

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (though later, Audi A7, Porsche Panamera)

Styling:

Distinctive 'four-door coupe' silhouette, low-slung roofline, frameless doors.

Performance:

Powerful V8 engines (naturally aspirated and supercharged for the CLS55 AMG).

Luxury Appointments:

Premium interior materials, advanced technology, and sophisticated ride and handling.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's/Operator's Manual

Secondary Coverage:

Basic Maintenance, Vehicle Operation, Features, Safety Information

Estimated Pages:

300-500 (typical for this model and year)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet (Original OEM)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, basic troubleshooting, fluid checks, identification of components.

Transmission:

Operation of automatic transmission, gear selection, basic driving tips.

Brakes:

Brake system overview, parking brake operation, warning indicators.

Suspension & Steering:

Basic information on suspension operation, steering assist.

Electrical System:

Fuse box locations, basic lighting operations, battery care, keyless-go system.

Climate Control:

Operation of automatic climate control, seat heating/ventilation.

Infotainment & Navigation:

operation of COMAND system, radio, CD player, navigation basics, phone integration.

Driver Assistance:

Operation of cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, parking assist (if equipped).

Interior Features:

Seat adjustments, interior lighting, door locks, power windows, sunroof.

Exterior Features:

Headlight aiming, wiper operation, fuel filler door, trunk operation.

Basic Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement.

Vehicle Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, use of vehicle controls, parking.

Safety Features:

Seatbelt usage, airbag system overview, child seat installation.

Dashboard Indicators:

Explanation of warning lights and messages, their meaning and recommended actions.

Emergency Procedures:

Information on what to do in case of a breakdown or accident.

Depth Level:

Owner-Level Operation and Maintenance

Diagnostic Capability:

Limited to understanding dashboard warnings and basic troubleshooting steps. Does not cover advanced diagnostics or repair procedures.

Repair Information:

None. This is an owner's manual, not a service or repair manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Printed

Quality:

High-quality OEM printing

Binding:

Stapled or Perfect Bound (typical for owner's manuals)

Paper:

Glossy or Matte Coated Paper

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Cls500 Engine:

M273 5.5L V8 (Naturally Aspirated)

Cls55 Amg Engine:

113 ML 5.4L V8 (Supercharged)

Cls500 Horsepower:

382 hp @ 6000 rpm

Cls500 Torque:

391 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm

Cls55 Amg Horsepower:

469 hp @ 6100 rpm

Cls55 Amg Torque:

516 lb-ft @ 2650-4500 rpm

Fuel Induction:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for CLS500; Supercharged with MPI for CLS55 AMG

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic (specific variant varies)

🔧 Transmission

Cls500 Transmission:

7-speed automatic (7G-Tronic)

Cls55 Amg Transmission:

5-speed automatic (AMG SpeedShift)

Optional Transmission:

N/A for 2006 model year CLS-Class

Transmission Features:

Driver-adaptive automatic shifting, manual mode (Tiptronic style).

Transmission Fluid Cls500:

MB Approved Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - e.g., MB 236.14

Transmission Fluid Cls55 Amg:

MB Approved Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - e.g., MB 236.10

📐 Dimensions

Length:

193.4 inches

Width:

71.7 inches

Height:

55.7 inches

Wheelbase:

113.1 inches

Trunk Volume:

15.7 cubic feet

Curb Weight Cls500:

Approx. 3,800 - 3,900 lbs

Curb Weight Cls55 Amg:

Approx. 4,000 - 4,100 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

5-Star (Typical for Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era)

IIHS Front Offset Rating:

Good (Typical for Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags (window airbags).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters.

Active Headrests:

NECK-PRO Active Headrests (front seats).

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)

Features:

6.5-inch color display, CD player, AM/FM radio, optional navigation system, optional Harman Kardon audio.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronically controlled cruise control.

Rain Sensor:

Standard automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Headlights:

Standard automatic headlights with dusk sensor, Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering light function.

Parking Assist:

Optional front and rear Parktronic parking sensors.

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth telephone connectivity (via cradle or direct pairing depending on COMAND version).

Auxiliary Input:

Optional aux input for audio devices (typically via glove box).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Approximately every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (based on Flexible Service System - FSS).

Major Service Interval:

Refer to FSS indicators, typically around 30,000-60,000 miles, involving spark plugs, transmission fluid, etc. (specifics vary).

Engine Oil Cls500:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40, meeting MB-Approval 229.5

Engine Oil Cls55 Amg:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40, meeting MB-Approval 229.5

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant - e.g., MB 325.0 (Glysantin G48)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)

Washer Fluid:

Water/Washer Solvent mixture, MB-Approved (e.g., MB 330.0)

Air Suspension Struts:

Leaking air suspension struts (Airmatic) can be a common wear item over time.

Cooling System Leaks:

Plastic coolant pipes and reservoir can degrade, leading to leaks.

Electronic Modules:

Occasional issues with SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) or other control units.

Intake Manifold Cracks:

Plastic intake manifolds can develop cracks on some M273 engines.

Supercharger Belt Cls55:

The supercharger belt on the CLS55 AMG can wear and require replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage Statement:

Mercedes-Benz, with a legacy dating back to the invention of the automobile, is synonymous with luxury, engineering excellence, and pioneering automotive technology.

First Generation Debut:

The C219 CLS-Class debuted in 2004 (for the 2005 model year), creating the 'four-door coupe' segment. The 2006 model year represents an early iteration of this groundbreaking design.

Cls55 Amg Powertrain:

The CLS55 AMG was a high-performance variant developed by Mercedes-AMG, featuring a potent supercharged V8 engine.

Cls500 Powertrain:

The CLS500 utilized a powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine, offering a balance of performance and refinement.

Production Years:

2004-2010 (for the C219 generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Creation:

The CLS-Class is widely credited with establishing the 'four-door coupe' segment, influencing future automotive design.

Design Awards:

Received numerous accolades for its innovative and striking design shortly after its launch.

Owner Satisfaction:

Generally high owner satisfaction for luxury and performance, though some premium maintenance costs are expected.